Thomas of Brotherton, 1st Earl of Norfolk
The sidelined royal son who leveraged his bloodline to become a powerful and contentious Earl Marshal of England.
1300–1338 (age 38)·English prince and nobleman·Birthday: June 1
Biography
Thomas of Brotherton entered the world as a prince, the eldest son of Edward I's second marriage, but he spent his life in the shadow of his half-brother, the ineffectual King Edward II. His story is one of aristocratic ambition within a fractured kingdom. Though he was too young to be a serious contender during the political crises of Edward II's reign, Thomas skillfully navigated the turbulent loyalties between the king and rebellious barons. His reward came from his nephew, the young Edward III, who granted him the powerful title of Earl Marshal of England. In this role, Thomas was not a background figure; he was a forceful, sometimes violent, enforcer of royal and personal authority, known for clashing with other magnates and the church. He built a substantial power base in East Anglia, but his tenure was marked more by fierce litigation and territorial disputes than by glorious military service. He represents the medieval nobleman for whom royal blood was a ticket to power, but whose legacy was secured through relentless, hard-nosed lordship.
#1 When Thomas Was Born
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Thomas's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1300Born
1305Started school
1313Became a teenager
1316Could drive
1318Could vote
1321Turned 21
1330Turned 30
1338Died at 38
Key Achievements
- Appointed Earl Marshal of England in 1316, a title he held for life, overseeing chivalry and royal ceremonies.
- Became the 1st Earl of Norfolk, a title created for him by his nephew, King Edward III.
- Served as regent and advisor during the early years of Edward III's minority.
- Built a significant landed estate and regional authority in East Anglia.
Did You Know?
His unusual name 'of Brotherton' comes from his birthplace in Brotherton, Yorkshire.
He was initially buried in the choir of the Abbey of Bury St Edmunds, but his tomb was later destroyed.
He was the grandfather of two royal claimants, Margaret Marshal and Elizabeth de Segrave, through whom the Mowbray and Howard dukes inherited the Marshal title.
His father, Edward I, was 61 years old when Thomas was born.
“The sword of a prince must defend his own lands before the crown's.”
